Karpov2010 heads to Africa
As the 2010 campaign for FIDE President winds down, both camps have been competing for votes by jetting from region to region to roll out their platform. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has already been to Africa trying to win the federation of the region’s federations. Anatoly Karpov will be traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Luanda, Angola to meet with African officials and vie for their support.
In a letter sent out by the Karpov2010 campaign, the event is called, “Seminar for the Development of Chess in Africa”. It will entail chess exhibitions by Karpov, GM Nigel Short and GM Maxim Dlugy. The seminar will outline Karpov’s plan for Africa with an unprecedented budget for activities. The trip will offer travel and lodging expenses and the processing of visas.
The Chess Drum spoke with Dlugy about the initiative and he stated that the team is being “proactive” and is planning a long-term strategy. “You have to show what you are trying to create,” said Dlugy. The team is pledging an investment of $4 million with a portion going to the African region for development.
The seminar in Ethiopia will take place from August 30th to September 1st. The second in Angola will take place September 3rd-5th.
This Seminar, courtesy of the President of Angolan Chess Federation, Dr. Jamie Aguinaldo, will focus on similar discussions. Once again all expenses, including visa processing, will be paid for by the Karpov campaign for President. Anatoly Karpov will be there along with other team members.
Dlugy was diplomatic in his critique of Ilyumzhinov, but admitted that being in a position for such a long time means that ideas many become stagnant. The 1985 World Junior Champion and former President of the United States Chess Federation runs a firm based out of Moscow, but shuttles back and forth to New Jersey. He has optimism for Karpov’s chances and looks forward to the opportunities in Africa.
